1966 Chrysler Imperial problems

chrysler logo

The Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1926, was Chrysler's top-of-the-line vehicle for much of its history. Models were produced with the Chrysler name until 1954, after which it became a standalone brand; and again from 1990 to 1993. The company positioned the cars as a prestige marque to rival Cadillac, Continental, Lincoln, Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow, Cord, and Packard. According to Antique Automobile, "The adjective 'imperial' according to Webster's Dictionary means sovereign, supreme, superior or of unusual size or excellence. The word imperial thus justly befits Chrysler's highest priced model."

For several decades and multiple generations, the Imperial was the exclusive Chrysler and the favorite choice of luxurious transportation for senior executive leadership, government officials, royalty and various celebrities in comparison to the more affordable Chrysler New Yorker. Over the years the appearance, technological advancements and luxurious accommodations updated with the latest trends and fashionable appearances. Limousines, town cars and convertibles were the usual appearances, while special coachwork choices were provided by the industry's best providers, to include Derham, Fleetwood, LeBaron, and others.

The Chrysler Imperial rose was cultivated in 1952 and used to promote the brand.

1966 Chrysler Imperial

Social links

Common 1966 Chrysler Imperial problems

Common Problems with the Chrysler Imperial 1966:

  • Distributor Vacuum Advance: Pinging during light acceleration has been a common complaint, even with correct timing and high-octane gas. This issue is often attributed to a tired distributor vacuum advance, which can lead to excessive vacuum advance after years of use, resulting in pinging. Solutions include adjusting the timing, replacing the vacuum advance unit with a Chrysler Electronic Ignition Conversion Kit, or installing a correct NORS vacuum advance.
  • Quality of Gas: Many Imperials have experienced problems with lower quality gas, leading to issues like pinging. Using 93 octane gas and ensuring correct timing settings are crucial to prevent these issues.
  • Timing Settings: Incorrect initial timing can cause pinging under heavy acceleration. Clean Air Package cars and later 440s had a different timing setting, which could lead to pinging if not adjusted correctly.
  • Chrysler Electronic Ignition Conversion Kit: While this kit can resolve pinging issues by providing an adjustable vacuum advance, some owners have reported recurring trouble with the "brains" of the system, indicating potential reliability concerns.
  • Availability of Replacement Parts: Finding specific parts for the Chrysler Imperial 1966 can be challenging. Gary Goers is a reputable source for reproduction Chrysler and Imperial parts, offering a wide range of items that are difficult to find elsewhere. However, due to the handmade nature of some parts, orders may require patience.
  • Exterior Appearance: To address faded areas on chrome upper fender moldings, owners have used 1/4" black striping tape to revive the painted areas, enhancing the overall appearance of the vehicle.

These common problems highlight various issues faced by owners of the Chrysler Imperial 1966, ranging from mechanical concerns like A/C compressor noise and distributor vacuum advance issues to challenges related to finding replacement parts and maintaining the vehicle's exterior appearance. Addressing these issues promptly and with the right solutions can help owners enjoy their Chrysler Imperial to the fullest.

1966 Chrysler Imperial engine

How many Imperials were made in 1966?

Production tailed downward, with only about 18,000 1965 Imperials built and fewer than 14,000 of the lovely 1966 Imperials. Convertibles were extremely low volume cars, the figures being 922, 633, and 514 for 1964 through 1966, respectively. See the specifications for the 1964, 1965, and 1966 Imperial on the next page.

What size engine is in the 1966 Chrysler Imperial?

440 cu in

Second generation (1957–1966)

Second generation
Engine392 cu in (6.4 L) Hemi V8 413 cu in (6.8 L) Wedge V8 440 cu in (7.2 L) Wedge V8
Transmission3-speed TorqueFlite A488 automatic 3-speed TorqueFlite A727 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase129.0 in (3,277 mm)

What car is banned from Demolition Derby?

1963 Chrysler Imperial “Barn Find” Is Why the Demolition Derby Ban Makes Sense. Back in the first half of the '60s, the Imperial was already a stand-alone brand that Chrysler marketed as a luxury lineup of cars competing against Lincoln and Cadillac.

Are Chrysler Imperials rare?

1949 Imperials are very rare as production records show only 50 Imperial sedans and 85 Imperial Crown limousines were built. The retail price for the 1949 Imperial was US$4,664 ($59,725 in 2023 dollars) and US$5,334 ($62,613 in 2023 dollars) for the Imperial Crown limousine.

What engine is in a 1966 Chrysler Imperial?

1966 Imperial Crown Coupe 440 c.i. 350HP 4BBl V8 engine.

How many Imperials were made in 1966?

Production tailed downward, with only about 18,000 1965 Imperials built and fewer than 14,000 of the lovely 1966 Imperials. Convertibles were extremely low volume cars, the figures being 922, 633, and 514 for 1964 through 1966, respectively. See the specifications for the 1964, 1965, and 1966 Imperial on the next page.

What engine was in the Chrysler Imperial?

The new model called the Imperial shared the same body as the cheaper Chrysler Six but had a slightly larger engine, being a 288.6 cu in (4.7 L). Subsequent generations were based on the Chrysler Royal, Airflow, Saratoga, and New Yorker.

Are Chrysler Imperials rare?

1949 Imperials are very rare as production records show only 50 Imperial sedans and 85 Imperial Crown limousines were built. The retail price for the 1949 Imperial was US$4,664 ($59,725 in 2023 dollars) and US$5,334 ($62,613 in 2023 dollars) for the Imperial Crown limousine.

1966 Chrysler Imperial car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chrysler Imperial problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1966 Chrysler Imperial vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1966 Chrysler Imperial complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1966 Chrysler Imperial.

2002-09-27

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-09-09
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING THREE OF THE ORIGIONAL COKER TIRES BLEW UP DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. THE FOURTH TIRE SHOWED TREAD SEPARATION AND ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED BY NEW COKER TIRES, BUT ONE OF THE REPLACED NEW COKER TIRES BLEW UP AGAIN. THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT OF THE COST OF THE TIRES. TIRE SIZE P235/75R15 AND DOT # DYKM KWX, DYKM VLX. *YH
Leave your review of 1966 Chrysler Imperial

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1966 Chrysler Imperial problems:

Repairing Shifting Problems On Your Imperial's Transmission
Repairing Shifting Problems On Your Imperial's Transmission
https://www.web.imperialclub.info/Repair/Transmission/shifting.htm

Oct 4, 2004 ... When we got our 1966 Chrysler, the shift ... I've noticed that same "problem" with other Chrysler vehicles of the 1980s era too. ... Imperial). 4 ...

1966 Dodge Charger Question about the dash-board lights Power ...
1966 Dodge Charger Question about the dash-board lights Power ...
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/201600-1966-dodge-charger-question-about-the-dash-board-lights-power-supply/

Sep 17, 2012 ... '52 Chrysler Imperial 2-door hardtop. How can I fix my Imperial's electroluminescent lighting power supply? Subject: IML: Blew out my '63's ...

Repair and Diagnosis of Problems with Your Chrysler Imperial's ...
Repair and Diagnosis of Problems with Your Chrysler Imperial's ...
https://www.web.imperialclub.info/Repair/Electrical/battery.htm

Nov 12, 2004 ... A common problem with 60's Mopars, and a ... I see mention of electrical problems with a '64 Imperial ... Question from Loyal (1966):. I need to ...

TIL that the 1964-1966 Chrysler Imperial was so good at taking hits ...
TIL that the 1964-1966 Chrysler Imperial was so good at taking hits ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/hy45w0/til_that_the_19641966_chrysler_imperial_was_so/

Jul 26, 2020 ... TIL that the 1964-1966 Chrysler Imperial was so good ... Modern car engineering solves both problems ... This is a very common misconception. Yes ...

1966 Mercury wagon restoration problems - General Discussion ...
1966 Mercury wagon restoration problems - General Discussion ...
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/314709-1966-mercury-wagon-restoration-problems/

Aug 30, 2018 ... 1966 Mercury wagon restoration problems ... known suppliers but these parts still elude me: ... Chrysler's Auto Pilot debuted on the 1958 Chrysler ...

Other years of Chrysler Imperial

chrysler imperial 1969 photo
Imperial 1969
Chrysler

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chrysler imperial 1990 photo
Imperial 1990
Chrysler

130

2

3

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chrysler imperial 1991 photo
Imperial 1991
Chrysler

111

3

6

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chrysler imperial 1992 photo
Imperial 1992
Chrysler

62

2

5

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chrysler imperial 1993 photo
Imperial 1993
Chrysler

37

1

8

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chrysler imperial 1994 photo
Imperial 1994
Chrysler

4

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1966 Chrysler Imperial?

Add car complaint
1966 Chrysler Imperial photo